DEBI JOHNSON, BUSINESS STRATEGIST AND NEWCOMER TO INLINE SPEED SKATING, HAS SUCCESS WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE GAMES

February 8, 2012 – Lincoln, Neb. – Debi Johnson has taken steps to grow the sport of inline speed skating by working to get the sport included in the Washington State Games. She set her sites on involving the local skating community by reaching those that like to “fast skate” at their local roller skating rinks across the state of Washington.

Debi is holding preliminary events at all of the local skating rinks that are interested in participating in this event. Participation can help those with already established speed skating programs build on those programs. For those that don’t currently have speed skating programs, the event can be used as a stepping stone to start a speed program in their rink. If speed isn’t an interest for a rink, the event can be used as a marketing and promotional tool to build excitement for their session skaters.

First through fourth place at the preliminary competitions will advance to compete against other session skaters at the State Games final competitions. The final competitions will also include athlete members of USA Roller Sports. Debi stated, “The inclusion of kids with amateur cards was made to provide further competition experience and an exhibition of the wide-spread skill level of those involved in USARS competitions during the season.”

When asked why Debi wanted to do this, she said, “It’s simple; it’s the right thing to do. Everyone should know about the sport and the achievements in their grasp. Whether it is a young skater who wants to win nationals, the young adult aspiring to win World competitions, or simply the person who wants a sport to maximize their physical activity with low-impact aerobics for weight loss…..there is a success story waiting in the sport for everyone. Knowing the benefits seen in my own family, I feel compelled to get the word out as much as possible.”

USA Roller Sports is recognized by the Federation Internationale de Roller Sports (FIRS) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as the national governing body of competitive roller sports in the United States.